Hearken; no harm shall be
done to you or to your companion, but it is the King's desire that one
so royal and beautiful should be better lodged than in this place
of traffic. Therefore he has commanded me to take you and all your
household and all your goods to no less a place than his own palace,
where he would speak with you."
"Sheathe the dagger and waste no words upon these slaves, Daughter,"
said Asti. "Since we have no choice, let us go."
So after they had veiled and robed, they suffered themselves to be led
out and placed in a double litter with their pearls and gold, while the
King's women collected all the rest of their goods and took them away
together with their servants, leaving the house quite empty. Then,
guarded by soldiers, they were borne through the silent streets till
they came to great gates which closed behind them, and having passed up
many stairs, the litter was set down in a large and beautiful room lit
with silver lamps of scented oil. Here, and in other rooms beyond,
they found women of the royal household and their own servants already
arranging their possessions.
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